NATO will closely observe Bulgaria's modernisation of military equipment, as planned in the “Vision 2020” strategic paper, prepared by the caretaker Government, reports Sega daily.

According to the report, quoting a last week meeting between caretaker Defence Minister Velizar Shalamanov and Heinrich Brauss, Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning, could also start an infringement procedure, if the next government fails to follow the plan.

Unofficial information claims that Brauss said that if next government decides not to follow the plan, Brussels would start a penalty procedure against Bulgaria and would limit the country's access to NATO investment programmes.

This would mean that if, for example, Bulgaria wants to buy 3D radars, as described in the “Vision 2020” plan, it will not have access to NATO investment programmes.

During the industrial forum in Sofia, of which Brauss was a guest, he praised the “Vision 2020” plan and described it as “ambitious”.

“We, in Brussels, are ready to help in realising this plan,” Brauss said. “We considered the “Vision 2020” plan carefully – it can contribute to the transformation of Bulgaria's armed forces within NATO and EU. All allies must adapt. Without this, there is a real risk for us to be outwitted by our enemies.”

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